A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting introduces Kelly Ferguson, a high school freshman ironically nicknamed “Monster Girl” due to her childhood belief in monsters. On Halloween night, she’s tasked with babysitting Jacob Zellman. Jacob’s fears of nocturnal monsters quickly prove valid when the Boogeyman, known as The Grand Guignol, kidnaps him, planning to weaponize his dreams into a nightmare army. Enter Liz Lerue, a seasoned monster-hunting babysitter, who, with the help of the secret Order of the Babysitters, embarks on a mission to rescue Jacob and thwart The Grand Guignol’s evil scheme. This film is an adaptation of Joe Ballarini’s YA novel, who also wrote the screenplay, and blends elements reminiscent of Men in Black, Adventures in Babysitting, Beetlejuice, and even A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Director Rachel Talalay, known for Freddy’s Dead and Tank Girl, brings a dynamic visual style to the film. While her past works were sometimes criticized for messy scripts, she demonstrates refined skill with visually captivating scenes in A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting.
The film’s imaginative imagery shines, especially in The Grand Guignol’s lair. A memorable scene features The Cat Lady, a witch whose cats are integrated into her furniture and home decor, creating a visually stunning effect. In many ways, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting feels like a child-friendly Nightmare on Elm Street, which is high praise for its creative and engaging horror elements suitable for a younger audience. The world-building is also impressive, showcasing a global network of monster-hunting babysitters and hinting at a larger, unseen world, all while maintaining a briskly paced and engaging story.
The cast delivers strong performances across the board. Tamara Smart is a likeable lead, while Oona Laurence, known for Southpaw, impresses as the experienced Liz Lerue. However, Tom Felton, of Harry Potter fame, steals the show as The Grand Guignol. Felton clearly relishes playing the brazenly evil Boogeyman. His performance blends elements of Labyrinth’s Goblin King, Freddy Krueger, and Beetlejuice, creating a character both creepy and funny, making him a memorable and entertaining villain.
One minor drawback is a scene at a Halloween house party featuring the obligatory main character crush and a jealous rival, which temporarily slows the film’s momentum. However, this sequence is brief and ultimately has a worthwhile payoff. Some viewers might question how certain secrets are maintained, but these are minor issues that the target audience (ages 7-8 and up) is unlikely to notice.
What is A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting Age Rating?
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is generally considered suitable for children aged 7-8 and up. Common Sense Media suggests an age of 8+, citing some scary scenes and themes that may be too intense for younger viewers. The film is rated TV-PG. This rating indicates that the content may contain material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. While it avoids excessive violence and gore, the presence of monsters and suspenseful situations might be frightening for more sensitive children.
Ultimately, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting provides solid family entertainment. Its unique visual style, strong performances, engaging adventure, and creative world-building compensate for any reliance on familiar tropes or minor inconsistencies. It’s a highly recommended choice for Halloween family viewing, and offers a thrilling and fun experience for older kids and families.
